Family-Friendly Travel Tips for Vietnam

With palm-framed beaches, magnificent markets, captivating cities, and misty mountains enveloped by rice terraces and rainforests, Vietnam is certainly a great place for families. However, how does it rank if you’re traveling with kids?

A lot depends on where you go and how you get around. Traveling by train through the lowlands between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it’s easy to have fabulous family adventures, stopping at many of Vietnam’s most spectacular sights. The beaches of central Vietnam and offshore escapes such as Phu Quoc also serve up bucketloads of family fun.

Kids will have a harder time in the humid highlands, not least because of the car-sickness-inducing roads. Nevertheless, with a car and driver, all sorts of adventures become possible. And wherever you go, children will receive a warm welcome – here are our top tips for traveling to Vietnam as a family.

Is Vietnam Good for Kids?

To answer in one word, a resounding yes. But good doesn’t always translate to easy. Vietnam’s fascinating cities, for example, have plenty to keep kids entertained, but parents will need to balance this against alarming traffic, air pollution, and the rapid onset of fatigue that comes with urban exploring.

With younger kids in your group, focus on more sedentary trips to the beach towns and islands. With older kids, you can push the envelope, dropping in historic cities and adventure activities on the water and inland in the hills. For all age groups, set aside several hours each day for relaxation – with the high humidity and summertime heat, wandering the streets can wear down even the most patient child.

Where Are the Best Spots in Vietnam for Kids?

This depends on the age of your tiny travelers. Beach hubs such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc will work for most age groups. Urban adventures in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as boat cruises around Halong Bay, will also captivate families. For older kids and teens, the highlands around Sapa and Dalat offer lots of action, from trekking and canyoning to mountain biking and caving, while the central coast dishes out water sports galore.

Best Things to Do in Vietnam with Babies and Toddlers

Heat and humidity will be your worst enemies when traveling with a baby or toddler. Stick close to water – whether that means the beach or the hotel pool – and focus on seaside resorts and big cities. Remember, the north can be quite cool in the winter, so bring warm baby clothes.

Play on the Beach

A beach holiday is an ideal choice for babies and toddlers. Staying at a resort lets you concentrate on enjoying the warm weather and tropical vibe. Phu Quoc is one dreamy choice, with excellent infrastructure, gorgeous beaches, and accommodations for all budgets. There are also toddler-friendly beach strips on the central coast, but be cautious of currents.

Hang Out in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City

While toddlers may be too young to appreciate the energy of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, comfortable accommodations, easy access to air-conditioning, and shops selling baby essentials make these vibrant cities manageable for families. Use a sling or carrier to transport little ones and prioritize rickshaw tours and water puppet shows.

Best Things to Do in Vietnam with Younger Kids

Once kids are old enough to walk and talk, travel in Vietnam becomes easier. You can introduce boat trips, amusement parks, and outdoor adventures, along with beach days.

Meet Gods and Emperors in Hue

Vietnam’s former imperial capital is a great place to introduce kids to the country’s lavish history. Exploring the Citadel and Imperial Enclosure feels like stepping back in time, and kids will enjoy Hue’s temples and pagodas with their colorful deity statues. A boat ride along the Perfume River brings you to the imperial tombs and the Thien Mu Pagoda.

Hit the Markets

Vietnam’s markets are a riot of color and full of trinkets that kids can pick up at pocket-money prices. Make every market visit an adventure of sights, tastes, and smells. Experience unique fruits, browse for ornaments, and create memorable moments together.

Spend Time at Phu Quoc’s Beaches and Theme Park

Phu Quoc is a family-favorite destination, offering beaches and water activities. Excursions into the rainforest are easy to arrange, along with the VinWonders theme park and water slides at Hon Thom Nature Park, all accessible via a scenic cable car ride.

Immerse Yourself in History in Hoi An

Travelers of all ages are enchanted by Hoi An’s step-back-in-time experience. Explore museums, colorful temples, and take a cyclo tour through historic streets. Clean beaches are also within easy reach.

Best Things to Do in Vietnam with Tweens and Teens

While older kids can be a bit more challenging to please, Vietnam offers an amazing hub for outdoor adventures. Bonding over a trekking experience or kitesurfing course can create lasting family memories.

Have Adventures Around the Outcrops

Halong Bay, along with its calmer neighbors, offers plenty of activities for active teens. Kayak tours and rock climbing are popular, with local tour operators arranging everything you need.

Go Kitesurfing at Mui Ne

If your teens are thrill-seekers, the beach strip at Mui Ne is Vietnam’s top hub for kitesurfing. Several schools offer lessons, with prime conditions from late October to April, along with additional activities such as surfing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Enjoy the Beach Scene in Nha Trang

Nha Trang is perhaps the best beach town in Vietnam for teens. Days can be filled with diving, snorkeling, boat tours, and visits to water parks, making for an exciting seaside getaway.

Make a Splash in Dalat

Just a few hours inland from Nha Trang, Dalat offers cooler temperatures and a variety of adventure activities, from canyoning to trekking. It’s also a favorite base for white-water rafting during the rainy season. Take time to enjoy local waterfalls, adding to the fun.

Take a Trek in the Hills

Sapa is Vietnam’s most famous trekking base, offering various routes to explore minority villages. For the adventurous, consider an overnight trek to Mt. Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, or opt for a scenic cable car ride to the summit.

Planning Tips

Many families appreciate Vietnam for its food – while dishes may be unfamiliar, they are rarely spicy, with heat added separately. From crispy pancakes to bowls of pho, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. International favorites such as pizzas and pasta are also available for picky eaters.

Dining out as a family is typically straightforward, with tourist-oriented restaurants providing high chairs and a welcoming atmosphere. Use antibacterial hand gel to stay healthy.

Baby supplies are accessible in major cities, but be prepared to stock up in advance when heading to the countryside. Most hotels can provide cots and extra beds for families. Opt for a hotel with a pool away from the beach to stay cool.

Transportation can be trickier. Consider bringing a child seat, as it’s hard to find them for taxis. Trains tend to be more family-friendly than buses. If traveling to the highlands, a rented car and driver is advisable to minimize winding road discomfort.

Be aware of weather conditions when planning your visit. Summer heat and humidity can be exhausting, while the rainy season can hinder outdoor fun. Repellent with DEET is essential, and sun protection must be prioritized during sunny days.

When enjoying beach outings, be cautious of rip tides and consider sticking to resort beaches with lifeguards. A sunsafe suit or rash vest can help protect young ones from the sun’s rays.